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RoadRunners dominate Springfield, 4-0

The Topeka RoadRunners dominated everything but the scoreboard in the first period Friday night against Springfield. The second and third period gave Topeka the edge there, too.

Taking advantage of timely opportunities, Topeka (16-5-2) played a sound game in all facets, winning 4-0 at Landon Arena.

One of Topeka’s strongest assets was its defense. Springfield (10-11-1) only mustered 14 shots on goal for the game.

“Our preparation this week was key,” RoadRunners coach Scott Langer said. “We had four solid practices this week, and it showed tonight.”

Early in the second period, defenseman Daniel Brickley started the scoring, ripping a shot past goaltender Niko Dellamaggorie to make it 1-0.

The RoadRunners had their chances to add to the lead throughout the second frame, but Dellamaggorie held strong until late in the period.

With less than a minute left in the second, while shorthanded, forward Sly Sutter was able to dig the puck out of the corner and fired a pass to forward Mike Gornall, who flicked a backhand shot into the net, making it 2-0.

“We just stayed persistent tonight,” Langer said. “To get that shorthanded goal there late, that’s the type of play we have to make to beat a team like that.”

In the third period, an accurate saucer pass set up forward Daniel Rzavsky, who unloaded a shot past Dellamaggorie for a 3-0 lead.

Forward Sam Rennaker then added a final goal in the last minute, to make it 4-0.

Topeka goaltender Matej Tomek was back in the lineup for the first time since Oct. 12 and showed no rust in between the pipes. Tomek stopped all 14 shots.

“It was a long time ago that I was last in the net,” Tomek said. “So it helped me a lot to see only 14 shots and have good defense.”

The first period was controlled by the RoadRunners, as they grabbed a 16-3 shot advantage. Topeka was unable to cash in on its chances, however, including four power-play opportunities.

“The game could have certainly gone the other way,” Langer said. “Our guys could’ve gotten frustrated with no goals on 16 shots, but we stuck to it.”

The two teams face off again at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Landon Arena. The first 500 kids in attendance will receive a replica youth jersey.